DAVID MOYES has abandoned his traditional transfer policy to sign £13million Tomas Soucek for West Ham.
Boss Moyes normally insists on watching potential new players ‘live’ before agreeing a deal – but West Ham’s relegation struggle this month has made it impossible.
Tomas Soucek will join West Ham for £13m in their bid to avoid relegationCredit: Getty – Contributor
Nonetheless Moyes reckons Slavia Prague’s captain, 24, will be a worthwhile addition to his squad.
Soucek arrives just in time to bolster the midfielder because injury-prone Jack Wilshere is to undergo surgery on a hernia that could keep him out for much of the rest of the season.
Moyes said: “He has played defensive midfield, scored a lot of goals as an attacking midfielder too. We needed a bit of all, some cover, another midfield player, obviously goals, so at the moment he ticks a lot of boxes.
“I’ve been here till 7pm every night watching tapes, making phone calls, trying to build up a picture of all the people who are getting put in.
David Moyes has not seen Soucek play live but has given his blessing to transferCredit: Reuters
“In truth my style would have always been to have my scouts and all the people there who’ve done it and had information. It’s been a whirlwind, this one, I’ve got to say.”
West Ham are also keen on Rasmus Kristensen, right back at Bed Bull Salzburg and looking to tie up a deal for around £4.5m
Moyes revealed: “I can say we have a proper bid in for another player at the moment, whether we get him or not we will see.”
Soucek was having his medical yesterday and although an official announcement is expected today it is unlikely the Czech international will play against Liverpool tonight.
Defender Winston Reid looks likely to be loaned to the MLS now he is fit after a lengthy knee injury.
Moyes is boosted by the return of injured keeper Lukasz Fabianski and winger Robert Snodgrass but will make late decisions on both players.
David Moyes says he has unfinished business at West Ham as he speaks in first press conference
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
